With A “Top 10 Heart Song List” and Jeff Shebovsky By His Side, Jim Readies For His 2nd Mitral Valve Repair

There is not a day that goes by in which I am not inspired by you – the patients and caregivers of this community.

My “daily dose” of inspiration for Monday comes from Jim Smith, a mitral valve repair patient from Athens, Georgia. So you know, Jim will have his second mitral valve surgery on Tuesday to correct his leaky heart valve. The surgery will be performed by Doctor David Adams, MD, a leading mitral valve specialist from Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.

Jim has inspired me for two reasons. First, Jim is using Heart Valve Journals in a way I never imagined. Not only is Jim connecting with patients online. But, he is actually meeting them in person… in the hospital! Yes, you read that right!

Jim Smith with Jeff Shebovsky at
Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City

Above, you will see Jim with Jeff Shebovsky, who just underwent surgery at Mount Sinai for a bicuspid aortic valve. Seeing the smiling faces of these two guys actually brought tears to the top of my eyelids. I never, ever, ever imagined that this little website would evolve to a point where patients could enter a hospital knowing that their “online buddies” would be there… waiting for them… encouraging them… smiling with them in pictures that are immediately posted for the world to see.

Secondly, Jim has inspired me because of his “Top 10 Heart Song List”. So you know, I am a music fanatic. I love all types of music – from classical to jazz to reggae to country to good ole’ rock. That said, I keenly watched Jim’s journal as he posted songs that alluded to the wonder and power of the human heart.

In case you missed it, here are Jim’s top ten heart songs:

10. Piece Of My Heart by Janis Joplin
9. Achy Breaky Heart by Billy Ray Cyrus
8. Don’t Go Breaking My Heart by Elton John & Kiki Dee
7. Heart Of Gold by Neil Young
6. You Gotta Have Heart by The Damn Yankees
5. Deep In The Heart Of Texas by Perry Como
4. How Can You Mend A Broken Heart by The Bee Gees
3. If I Only Had A Heart by The Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz
2. In A Little While by U2
1. My Heart Will Go On by Celine Deon

FYI, U2 is one of my favorite bands. Great job to Jim for placing a U2 song on the list!!!

I encourage you to visit Jim’s journal to learn more about him and his surgery. And, if you feel like it, leave him an encouraging comment at Jim’s Guestbook.

Needless to say, my thoughts and prayers are with Jim as he prepares for surgery tomorrow!

Written by Adam Pick - Patient & Website Founder

Written by Adam Pick - Patient & Website Founder

Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today.

Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today.

Mike Rehmus says on March 12th, 2012 at 5:40 pm

Oh dear! What about, “I left my heart in San Francisco?”

Keep on keeping on, Jim. You too, Jeff.

Rita says on March 12th, 2012 at 6:36 pm

What an awesome picture and gesture. This site has always been my go to before and after my mitral valve replacement and this is just one of the many reasons why. I would have loved such a thing after my surgery which would have also given my daughter great support.

Ginny Slycord says on March 12th, 2012 at 7:52 pm

Hi Adam,
This is my first message on your Heart Valve Blog although I read your book and have been following your blog for about 3 years now. Now that my son, Greg Slycord, has had his surgery and everything went fine, I feel like writing to thank you for your support and inspiration to all of the heart patient community. Greg had aortic valve surgery on March 1st and is home recuperating and doing very well. We are Christian and believe in God’s healing power. I’m truly amazed at God’s love and giving man the ability and knowledge and medicine to perform miracles just as Jesus did when he walked on this earth. We have truly witnessed a “miracle” and I thank God every day. May God bless you and your work and keep you in his care. Again, many thanks for all that you do. Love, Ginny Slycord (Greg’s mom).

Lynn Walka says on March 13th, 2012 at 9:29 am

Hi Jim, Thank you so much for your top 10 which I will add to my list. You are in my prayers and will be jumping around real soon. This summer will be 2 years since my aortic valve replacement and pacemaker and I am in perfect health and enjoying every moment at age 60. Lots of hugs, Lynn

carole ryan says on March 21st, 2012 at 2:19 pm

Jim & Adam,

You both look so good after surgery. I will be having the aortic value surgery with Dr. Stelzer on Monday.